Granville librarians offer fall reading recommendations

•Those who enjoyed last year’s “All the Light We Cannot See,” will likely find “Mischling” by Affinity Konar a good choice for autumn reading. In her second adult novel, Konar, a California native of Polish-Jewish descent, writes of the story of twins who fall into the unspeakable world of Josef Mengele’s human experimentation. One twin disappears, and the other, in the tumultuous time after liberation, is determined to find out what happened to her sister. Released Sept. 6.

•One fateful decision on one afternoon touches off “Commonwealth,” Ann Patchett’s new novel. This is a story that spans many years as two families become intertwined. Patchett, a resident and bookstore owner in Nashville, Tennessee, has written several novels that generally end up on readers’ lists of their favorite books ever. This title will be released on Sept. 13.

•Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Michael Chabon packs an entire life’s experience into “Moonglow,” a narrative that spans just one week. Inspired by a week spent with his terminally ill grandfather, this novel-meets-autobiography captures the man’s lifetime of buried secrets. This title will be released on Nov. 22.

—Anita Carroll, Library Director

Adult Non-Fiction

•Comedy legend Carol Burnett fondly reflects on her time with The Carol Burnett Show, “In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox.” Burnett shares the behind-the-scenes stories of guests, sketches, and antics that made the show a beloved and highly-acclaimed comedy classic. Pick up a copy Sept. 13. You’ll be so glad you spent the time together.

•“Truevine: Two Brothers, a Kidnapping, and a Mother's Quest: A True Story of the Jim Crow South,” is a compelling narrative telling the strange and troubling tale of two African-American brothers who were kidnapped from Virginia in 1899 and their determined mother who spent 28 years trying to bring them home. Displayed as circus freaks around the world, they achieved global superstar status because of their color (they were often forced to assume caricatures like cannibals and “Ambassadors from Mars”), leading this book to ask and explore the difficult question—were the boys better off? Rich in historical detail and supported by decades of research, best-selling author Beth Macy’s “Truevine” is being hailed as a “journalistic triumph” and is featured on several “Best Books for Fall” lists.

—Julia Walden, Community Engagement Librarian

Teen

•“Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas (publication date Sept. 6) is the fifth book in the “Throne of Glass” series. This entry continues the adventures of Aelin Galathynius as she fights to protect her kingdom and those she loves. What, or who, is she willing to give up to keep Erilea safe?

•“Heartless” by Marissa Meyer (published Nov. 8) is the newest book from the author of the “Cinder” series. Meyer creates her own fractured fairytale as she re-imagines Wonderland before Alice fell through the rabbit hole and tells how the Red Queen came to be.

•“Tales of the Peculiar” by Ransom Riggs (published Sept. 3) is a collection of ten short “peculiar” stories that allow the reader a glimpse into the past of the peculiars who live in our world. It comes just in time for the Sept. 30 release of the film adaptation of “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.”

•“Fever Code” by James Dashner (published Sept. 27) is the prequel to the hugely popular “Maze Runner” series. This book holds all the answers to who Thomas is and how he and WICKED built the Maze.

•“Crooked Kingdom” by Leigh Bardugo (published Sept. 27): In this sequel to “Six of Crows,” the adventures and intrigue continue for Kaz and his friends. After pulling off a daring heist, Kaz and his team have been double-crossed and one of their own has been kidnapped. Now, they’re out for revenge, but can they survive the political machinations and corrupt dealings of Ketterdam and the world at large?

—Emily Shellhouse, Public Services Librarian

Children’s

•Graphic novelist Vera Brosgol turns her talents to picture book creation, both writing and illustrating “Leave Me Alone!”, a humorous tale about a grandmother desperate for time alone to knit in the face of outrageous distractions. Available Sept. 13.

•Move over Sherlock, there’s a new detective in town: Tom Angleberger, author of the “Origami Yoda” series, introduces Inspector Flytrap, a Venus flytrap who solves only big deal mysteries and thrilling national emergencies despite questionable assistance from his ever-famished goat, Nina. This comical series for readers transitioning to chapter books kicks off with the release of two books, “Inspector Flytrap” and “Inspector Flytrap: The President’s Mane Is Missing.” Available now.

•Fans of Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels “Sisters,” “Drama,” and the Eisner Award-winning “Smile” will eagerly await her latest graphic novel which was to be released on Sept. 13. In “Ghosts,” sisters learn their new town may be haunted, but that they needn’t be afraid.